Northwestern State hopes to reignite the nation’s second-leading offense Saturday afternoon at 2 in Prather Coliseum as the Demon basketball team comes off an 11-day hiatus to play Missouri Valley’s Vikings.

The Demons (4-3) haven’t played since a Dec. 4 homecourt 89-83 victory over Louisiana Tech. The Vikings (5-9) won 62-60 Monday night over Hannibal-LaGrange, the same team NSU beat 92-43 on Nov. 17 in Prather Coliseum.

Northwestern is averaging 85 points per game with junior forward DeQuan Hicks setting the pace in scoring (15.3 average) and rebounding (7.0 per game). Redshirt freshman guard Jalan West is averaging 14.1 points with senior guard Shamir Davis at 14.0 and senior forward James Hulbin scoring 11.4 per game and contributing 6.6 rebounds.

“We’ve had a long break for final exams and to say we’re anxious to get out and play somebody is an understatement,” said Demons’ coach Mike McConathy. “Missouri Valley is a very well coached team that likes a much difference pace than we do. They are very structured and play very smart basketball. We will need to be good defensively and on the glass to get the upper hand.”

Northwestern shot 55 percent in defeating Louisiana Tech, and is sinking 48.5 percent overall. NSU has a 42-39 average rebounding edge and is holding opponents to 40 percent shooting aim.

After the game, NSU won’t play again until a Dec. 29 visit to Arkansas. The Demons’ last non-conference home game is Dec. 31 against LeTourneau before Southland Conference doubleheaders begin Jan. 3 at home against McNeese and Jan. 5 against Lamar.

Postings are not edited and are the responsibility of the author. You agree not to post comments that are abusive, threatening or obscene. Postings may be removed at the discretion of Natchitoches Times.